Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)
Rhinoplasty, or nasal reshaping, is a procedure in which the appearance and shape of the nose is changed to enhance appearance and or function. Often the procedure requires reshaping of the cartilage with contouring of the bone to create a more balanced appearance.
Rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty or functional nasal surgery are all terms to define a surgical procedure that will create a balance between a pleasing-looking nose and retaining the nose’s main structure in order to breathe well. Each step of the procedure is carefully designed so that there is a great new shape to the nose and an individual’s breathing is maintained or even improved.
The overall nose size may be reduced or a hump may be removed and the tip may be made smaller or better proportioned. Many fine changes can be made during a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
- Who would benefit from nasal surgery or rhinoplasty?
- Who is an ideal candidate for nose surgery?
- What qualifications should my surgeon have?
- What are new techniques in rhinoplasty?
- What can I expect during my consultation for rhinoplasty?
- What are some of the surgical facts I need to know?
- What are some of the postoperative concerns I might have?
- What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
- Does insurance cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
Who would benefit from nasal surgery or rhinoplasty?
An unwanted appearance of the nose may occur because of genetics, trauma or even from prior nasal surgery. The overall shape may also lead to a difficulty in breathing. Rhinoplasty creates an improvement in the appearance of the nose while maintaining or improving the nasal breathing.
Who is an ideal candidate for nose surgery?
Men and women who are looking to improve the appearance or function of the nose. Teenagers should ideally have completed puberty . Patients should be of good overall health and have realistic expectations.
What qualifications should my surgeon have?
Rhinoplasty is a complex surgery. Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience and skill to improve the shape of the nose as well as improve the breathing of the nose. The doctor should perform the procedure routinely and consider the unique changes of a patient’s nose. Dr. Jolene Andryk is a double-boarded surgeon in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. Because of this, she has more extensive and complete training is all aspects of nasal surgery, including treating complex breathing issues as well as shaping and contouring the nose aesthetically. Also, she performs many rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgeries throughout the year.
What are new techniques in rhinoplasty?
Many of the techniques to reshape the nose or improve the breathing have been utilized for decades. However, surgical techniques to assure consistency and stable breathing are continually being refined. At times the surgery may benefit from the addition of cartilage grafts from the patients own body or the use of non biological materials that allow the nose to be reshaped. Injectable fillers may also be used to correct and hide minor deformities of the nose without the use of surgery.
What can I expect during my consultation for rhinoplasty?
Dr. Andryk may spend up to one hour examining and evaluating an individual’s nose and listening to a person’s concerns and requests. During the consultation, she will discuss what changes would be best made in order to achieve the look and/or function of the nose. She may perform imaging as well to provide an individual with an idea of how their nose may look.
What are some of the surgical facts I need to know?
A majority of the rhinoplasties performed:
- are performed in a surgery center
- are day surgery
- often are performed under general anesthesia but may only need twilight anesthesia
- require 2 ½ hours or less to perform depending on the complexity
What are some of the postoperative concerns I might have?
A majority of patients having rhinoplasty note:
- a splint is worn on the outside of the nose for one week
- the procedure is not very painful but there is often nasal soreness and pain pills will be prescribed.
- Dr. Andryk DOES NOT PACK a nose after surgery, but uses special stitches to reduce swelling inside the nose
- there is often nasal drainage for the first day after surgery
- sometimes there are small stitches placed on the undersurface of the nose if an open rhinoplasty is performed and sometimes the stitches are all inside the nose with a closed rhinoplasty
- most patients take one week off of work and can resume maximal activity two weeks after surgery
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
The risks may include an adverse anesthesia response, incomplete improvement, postoperative bleeding, need for additional surgery and nasal congestion.
Does insurance cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
Insurance may cover the cost of nasal surgery if changes in appearance or breathing were due to a trauma. If the changes are purely for cosmetic appearances, the surgery is not often covered by insurance.
